eslHQ
Post

Help - repetitive strain injury

Posted by susan53 · August 25, 2008 · 7 replies

My right wrist recently packed up with repetitive strain injury due to spending too much time at the computer. Has anyone else had it and do you know anything that helps I'd hoped that two weeks holiday without a computer in sight would sort it out, and certainly the pain went right away. But last night after I'd got back and checked my e-mail, it was back after only 10 minutes.

My doctor's advice was simply "use your left hand" and I do - but it slows me down horribly. Any other suggestions? Or useful websites that don't just tell you to buy an exotic type of mouse which I can't find here and which it's probably too late for now anyway?

7 Replies

Eric

If you use a Mac, let me know and i will send you a link to some free software that will help you.

susan53 OP

Thanks Eric, but unfortunately I don't.

Beatrix

no...I know people who have similar problems, but I don't know the cure...sorry. the ones that I know changed their job because of that

mesmark

I don't know anything specifically about that, but you might try altering the variables.
- use a wrist brace (will seem funny to anyone who sees you 😛 )
- try lowering or raising the keyboard
- make sure the keyboard and monitor are directly in front of you.

Eric

Hi,

I installed a program on my mac that helps offset RSI. Basically, it forces you to take short breaks at an interval you set up. So, I set up mine to do a 30 second break every 10 minutes and a 5 minute break every hour. The 30 second breaks are great for stretching your hands and wrists, moving them in different directions than just around the mouse.

During the 5 minute break, I stand up and do full body stretches.

This really helps to keep your muscles from conforming to the mouse and the chair and lowering the risk of RSI.

Like I said, I am using a program for Mac: AntiRSI - TECH.inhelsinki.nl

You might do a search for something for Windows. Here's something I found with a quick search:
Download of the Day: WorkRave (Windows/Linux)

You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) about how fast an hour flies by if you are into a project. These types of programs are great for ensuring you take a break.

Eric

Eric

Here's some of the features of the program i just posted as well as some other competitors:

Workrave

And here's an intro to the program:

Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit. Please refer to the feature comparison for a complete list of features, and how the program performs with respect to other programs on the market. The program runs on GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows.

susan53 OP

The forced break idea sounds great. I've been trying not to do more than two hours at a time, but looks like even that is far too much. And you do forget ... I'm sometimes surprised how quickly eight hours pass 🙂 I'm getting quite good now at left handed mousing, and I even sometimes pick up a pen instead of typing things. Wonders what you can do with old fashioned technology ...

Thanks for all the suggestions. i'll try everything.